In 1983, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Cosworth 2.3 16V into their range and the new cars were substantially different from the other 190 models.

The body kit reduced the drag coefficient and the steering wheel was smaller than that on other 190s, whilst the fuel tank was enlarged to 70 litres.

The Getrag five-speed, manual gearbox was unique to the 16 valve and featured a 'dog-leg' first gear.

An enlarged 2.5 litre engine replaced the 2.3 in 1988 and offered double-row timing chains to fix the unreliable single chains on the early 2.3s.

The power output was up by 17bhp with a slight increase in torque.

It is debated whether the 2.5 engine was developed and built by Mercedes-Benz or by Cosworth … interestingly, they were not keen to broadcast the fact that their most sporting saloon car had an engine developed by a British company.

The suspension on the 16 valve models is very different from the standard 190 and as well as being lower and stiffer, it has larger anti-roll bars, har...